Cleveland Browns premier starting corner back Denzel Ward has been cleared to play against the New York Giants this Sunday, but was not a big part of the game plan that won the teams first game last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ward was nursing a shoulder injury that was serious enough that the team planned to give him a pitch count during the game. However, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz revealed that Ward only getting 11 snaps was not a part of the plan but that he came off the field early unable to tackle.
Ward’s stats so far signify that, as he’s recorded four pass breakups but only a single tackle.
Ward was used very sparingly throughout the rest of the game and only played on clear passing downs.
After a few limited practices this week, Ward has not only been cleared to play but doesn’t carry an injury designation at all.
This is encouraging news for a defense that found its groove against the Jaguars largely without him. He’ll now be expecting to tame the exciting rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers who exploded for 10 receptions, 127 yards, and his first score last week against the Washington Commanders.